I just wanna say thank you for everything you’ve done in the film industry. You are a one of a kind gem. Wishing you a long and peaceful life. Thanks again for being the guy you are.
Man, I love Spirited Away. Gotta thank my 5th grade teacher for introducing it to my class. Never seen a movie like it before as a kid. Glad to see you love it too!
Nobody’s reppin for Apocalypse Now so I’ll just say WOW. Redux is my favorite, I love to sit down with that movie and just let it wash over me. The longest version makes me feel like I’m on some never-ending adventure, equal parts fantastic and nightmarish.
What nailed that performance for me was the Travolta mannerisms you oozed, as watchers of travolta, some since Sat Night Fever, we subconsciously recognize his manner/way and what amazed me about your performance in Face Off, was how you adopted them, tiny details that made up the whole and delighted me as a viewer, seeing the actor at work and the very layered performance - Nic Cage to Caster Troy to Sean Archer/Travolta, all at once.
It’s a performance that has always struck out to me then add in John Woo - fucking fabulous 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
One of your most fascinating performances to me was as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass. When you were crafting that performance, was Adam West the biggest inspiration for your superhero persona, or were there other sources you felt you drew more heavily from?
Thank you, and have a great day!
I would give it all to Adam West. I grew up watching him on the 60s Batman show and he is where it begins and where it ends as Big Daddy. I met Adam West once and I said “did you see I was channeling you?” and he said “I saw you TRY to channel me!”
Yes! I've been reading the comments and noticed a while ago no one was mentioning Leaving Las Vegas. That one got me to stop drinking back in the day. True eye-opener.
As a paramedic, bringing out the dead was spot on!!! Great cast!! I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to pull a Goodman and just quit and walk away.
It’s very kind of Ethan to say so, as you may well know, I’ve worked with Ethan in Lord of War and have always been spellbound by his talent. I think many of the choices I’ve made have been inspired by film stars from the silent era as well as cultural expression of performance like Kabuki and some of the Golden Age actors like Cagney so I don’t know how to say I’ve done something new because those elements are always on my mind
>Lord of War
Love that movie, it's a perfect example of a lovable villain protagonist. The charisma you brought to that role utterly sold the entire film, which allowed the audience to simultaneously be disgusted by the callous actions of Yuri Orlov whilst also enjoying every moment he was on screen.
That's not an easy thing to pull off, and you did it really well!
Spike Lee would so be perfect for you. I mean, you’re a very versatile actor and any of those would fit, but the idea of you working with Spike Lee just scratches a particular itch that I didn’t know I had.
I once went to an Italian restaurant in San Francisco about 25 years ago with Charlie Sheen because they had square tube pasta and he was very interested in trying square tube pasta and we did and we loved it so much we went back the next day to try it again.
Thank you. I was interested in returning to a more quiet, naturalistic style of film performance, having done a series of more operatic performance styles. The movie feels rather like a folk song to me or a poem, and the character of Rob was contending with tremendous grief and self imposed isolation and I think we as a group of people experiencing a pandemic in 2020-21 we’re probably also having similar feelings of loss and isolation and it communicated to a nerve we were all experiencing. It's one of my favorite movies, and it's probably my best work.
Just wanted to let you know, I worked on Pig and handled all the digital distribution of that film. I truly love anytime I get your new work or old coming through my workflow and pig was such a phenomenal title to work on. Just letting you know us little guys are so happy when we get to somewhat work with you even if you don’t know us lol.
You nailed it man. I went into it thinking it was going to be goofy. Boy was I wrong, such a good movie. Been a fan since I was a kid watching you on Betamax. That Apache Helicopter movie..... Fire Birds. Finally remembered the name haha.
Thank you to everyone who tuned into our chat this afternoon. It was a real pleasure for me to have some communication with all of you. As I’m sure you might know, I’m not normally on social media so it’s nice to meet you and to talk about all sorts of fun things, and especially the movies.
From Lionsgate: Massive Talent is in theaters everywhere April 22.
I like that edit. It was a good AMA, the only thing that didn't feel coming from Nicholas was that marketing part about the film's release date. And then the comment was edited and "From Lionsgate" was added.
Mr. Cage, you have been one of my favorite actors for my entire life. I cannot WAIT to see Unbearable weight of Massive Talent, multiple times in theaters when it comes out. I have two questions, both similar.
1. What has been your most challenging role to get in to character each day to film?
2. What is your favorite character that you've ever portrayed?
1. I would say that Nick Cage in Massive Talent was the most challenging role I had to get into character for because I had the added component of trying to protect a person named Nick Cage and also facilitating the director’s absurdist vision of so-called Nick Cage and it was a highwire act everyday.
2. Again, Pig is my favorite performance of mine, and I think that movie, along with Scorsese’s Bringing Out The Dead are arguably my two best movies as a whole
Bringing Out the Dead really changed my perception so much about how stories are told. I don’t know how to describe it but I recommend that film constantly to people that want some sort of top 5 list of really great films with strong performances.
That is so hard to answer. I will say that James Dean’s performance as Cal in East of Eden is largely the reason I became a film actor. His role in that is one of my favorite characters in cinema. But then we can go all the way to Rasputin or we can go to Dmitri Karamazov. Dmitri Karamazov is one my favorite characters in literature. I love him so much because he’s so happy and he has no money. He’s just living it up. He spent all his money trying to get the girl. I did the same thing once. I was very Dmitri Karamazov in high school. The most beautiful girl in high school who was a grade older than me invited me to the prom but I had no money. My grandmother gave each of us a little bond. My older brother bought a car. My second oldest brother bought some stereo equipment. And I splashed out on a chauffeur-driven limousine, a tuxedo and a four course meal at Le Dome on Sunset blvd. The car was $2000, the stereo was $2000, and my prom night was $2000 and man, that was money well spent. THAT’s Dmitri Karamazov.
Such an awesome glimpse of you as a youth! It’s so cool of you to do this AMA, and it’s caused me to gain a better appreciation of you as a person and as an actor. Also, gonna check out Pig tonight!
It’s a good question, albeit a difficult question because everything I do ultimately informs my work. But if I had to make a list, I would say reading, watching cinema, and exercise.
Well, let’s talk about the difference between “meme” and the word “gag.” My understanding is that “meme” represents a symbol of a pop cultural movement of sorts. A “gag” is somewhere in the realm of a diss and I don’t look at anything anymore as a diss. I see it more as a recognition of some sort of expression.
When I woke up this morning, I did not expect to add Nicolas Cage to my list of favorite actors but, after reading all these comment replies, I absolutely have to
Everything you're saying sounds genuine and sincere but are also humble and perfectly reasonable opinions.
I love that your whole outlook is like "if anyone talks about my performance in a film at all , I've done my job well"
One of the most used meme images of you is from Vampire's Kiss, and I thought that movie was absolutely incredible and your performance in it is one of my favorite roles ever.
Yes. I would have to say they’re my favorite insect. They make us honey. Bees, and then the firefly. And ants are interesting. Bumble bees are quite adorable. Don't get me started on the praying mantis.
I told David Cronenberg once that the praying mantis was the most ferocious of the insects and he so said no, and I said what is, and he said the dragon fly larvae and he said that the beast in the Alien movies was designed after the dragon fly larvae because it shoots its teeth out and when it attacks.
It's a phenomenal show.
One of the main characters (Abed) has Asperger's, and uses television and film tropes as a way of relating to people.
In one episode, he is tasked with categorizing you as an actor.
Your "complexity" ends up breaking him.
I’m devastated to hear this - I have always wondered if you’d seen this episode and what you thought of it. It’s very affectionate, you should check it out.
I have a 2 regarding the movie Willy's Wonderland. Did you or the director decide that you would not say a single word the whole movie, and 2, everytime you went to "recharge" (grab a can from 6 pack) was it secretly filled with alcohol or anything like that?
1. The dialogue for my character in Willy’s Wonderland was very sparse, so I decided with Kevin, the director, to go full Harpo Marx and take all the dialogue out because I thought that would be a fun acting challenge to see how much I could communicate without words and only with movement and facial expressions. I’m very happy with the results of Willy’s Wonderland. It was a good experiment.
2. The can question is an interesting one, and I hesitate to answer it for you because your relationship with the movie is far more important than my relationship with the movie and so you as the audience member can imagine and surmise whatever you want to be in that can. That is a far better answer and reason for the can than anything I could tell you. I want YOUR opinion as to what was in the can, because that was the right opinion.
Oof I am literally working on a writing project right now and promised myself I wouldn't say anything even though you are 100% \*my\* pop culture figure and your work has literally changed my perception of art.
But to your point of #2, as a teacher who specifically has a specialty in working with autistic kiddos, I count your performance in Willy's Wonderland as one of my favorites in terms of autistic representation, whether or not it was intentional. The hourly-can-of-pop, the pinball, the routine of it all...plus non-verbal...plus a physical stamina and quiet acceptance of the task in front of him...these qualities are some of the most powerful qualities of autistic brains. I do a lot of work towards getting autistic brains accepted as the badass and important parts of society that they are, rather than a drain upon society, and if I could, I would use Willy's Wonderland as an example of how autistic folks can be intense action/horror movie stars! But I cannot, because the intersection of the venn diagram between "intense Nicolas Cage fans" "intense horror fans" and "intense autism advocates" is a pretty small sliver!
I think Lord of War is the best movie I made pertaining to a political situation and I think that it’s influenced other movies like Wolf of Wallstreet. I think the narrative and voiceover work and the portrayal of a reprehensible gun runner in the light of an attractive charming personality was ahead of its time.
I definitely noticed how movies like Wolf of Wall Street, War Dogs, The Big Short, and others where inspired by Lord of War. Lord of War is one of my all time favorite movies, and it’s wonderful to see it influence so many other movies.
You and Pedro seemed like you had so much fun making this movie; what is one story you don’t mind sharing that you haven’t yet about your experience with filming and working with Pedro?
First and foremost, Pedro Pascal is a genuinely nice man. You couldn’t ask for a nicer more pleasant person to work with. Second he has a very unique sense of humor. It’s the kind of sense of humor where I don’t know if he’s really making a joke or he isn’t making a joke. Such as comment about the appearance of a cabbage in a cabbage field. And it made me wonder if he was a method actor and was in character and adding a kind of confused dimension to the Javi role, or if he genuinely thought the cabbage was amusing. I am still confounded by this. I mean who makes a joke about cabbage, except him? It’s just not funny!
Imagining this situation in reality is hilarious
Edit: I now want to see a skit where Pedro Pascal just starts chuckling about cabbages and Nick Cage is so confused that he starts to lose his mind while Pascal just nonchalantly walks off, jovial without a care in the world leaving a shattered Nick Cage
No, I gave it to Laura Dern. She was such an enormous part of Wild at Heart that I felt it belonged to her. But now I wish I had given it to my son instead. I would've liked him to have it. But it's okay, Laura has it.
Fun fact for those who don't know: the snakeskin jacket is an homage to the jacket Marlon Brando wears in the movie The Fugitive Kind, an adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play Orpheus Descending. Coincidentally, Dern's parents Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd (who plays Dern's mother in Wild at Heart) met while starring together in a production of Orpheus Descending.
Can you recommend a few? (update, thanks for all the replies folks. I didn't mean movies starring Nick Cage, but I appreciate your suggestions all the same.)
I did call David when we were filming Massive Talent because I had hoped he might play the role of the director I was auditioning for, but it was at the height of the concerns with COVID and he didn’t want to leave the house. The result of David Gordon Green however was pitch perfect, and I do hope David Gordon Green does more work as a thespian.
Listen, Nic.
You’re great. But if you ever get in the way of David Lynch doing the morning weather because he’s “busy” on a “film” we’re gonna have problems.
Thank you. Face/Off is my favorite action movie, largely because we had the maestro John Woo to direct. The process was a matter of getting video of Travolta’s dailies and trying to study it so I could copy his voice and movements. John Travolta conversely did the same with my dailies.
I have a 2016 Shelby GT350R with a wide body that is like a modern version of the car I drove in Gone in 60 Seconds. It has a beautiful blue color. I like that car. And so does my son.
Thank you for taking the time to answer, Mr Cage! It always seems like a silly question but it’s one I like hearing the answers to...so far, though, you, Adam Savage, and sara bareilles are the only ones who have answered it!
I am really sorry my family and I went up to you in that Ice Cream Shop in Disneyland, and asked for a picture. Everyone started swarming after that while you were just trying to enjoy some family time.
Have you seen Leaving Las Vegas recently? I think that is my all time favorite Nicolas Cage performance. How do you feel thinking back on Leaving Las Vegas and your performance in it?
Thank you. I think Leaving Las Vegas, Pig and Bringing Out The Dead are my three favorite performances of my own body of work. I have not seen Leaving Las Vegas recently, however that movie and Elizabeth Shue’s work in that movie are what I aspire to continue towards, and did continue towards with Pig, which is why I am always going to be up for small budget, independent, dramas.
Dubrovnik is just a gorgeous place. Sadly, we were in the height of the COVID pandemic during filming. So no, I never left my hotel room. Only when I was shooting. I did not get to enjoy the charm and the restaurants of Dubrovnik. I will have to go back.
Hi, Nic! Really looking forward to *Massive Talent*, it looks like you and Pedro had a blast making it. I just have three questions:
1) What is your favorite part of preparing for a new role?
2) What’s your all-time favorite horror movie?
3) I know you have a love of the silent era, especially the German expressionist stuff. What’s your favorite silent film?
3. Boy that’s a hard list to conjure up because there are so many memorable ones but I would say that Lon Chaney in Phantom of the Opera comes to mind but Nosferatu, Schreck, his performance, and even Barrymore in Jekyll and Hyde. I think that Barrymore did more to inspire Schreck’s performance than the other way around. Oh, and anything Chaplin did was magic: City Lights, Modern Times. It depends on the season!
[Max Schreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Schreck), not to be confused with everyone's favourite ogre.
EDIT: Schreck was incorrectly spelled as Shrek when Cage first posted the comment, he and his team have since fixed the typo.
I would like to think that being in the 50s in the United States would’ve been a whole lot of fun with the swing dancing and the introduction of Elvis Presley and the great work of James Dean and Marlon Brando. I would’ve liked to be around for that. And the music was pretty great. Automotive design was spectacular. That’s when the US had the edge on the design, we had Raymond Loewy and Harley Earl.
The moderators received a lovely message from Lionsgate and Nic's team after the AMA concluded! Sharing it here with all of you who made this AMA so great :)
https://i.imgur.com/foER3eW.png
*Transcription*
>Hello, Just wrapped with Nicolas. Wanted to say a giant THANK YOU to Reddit and the Movie Mods for helping us host this AMA. He had such a great time. Said it was the best part of his day. If he had more time on his schedule, I’m convinced he would’ve kept going! Until next time
Nic,
Throughout the pandemic my friends and I watched every single one of your movies. You got us through the pandemic. One a week. We even made [membership cards](https://imgur.com/a/Wb5rHbv). So, thank you. We even watched an after school special you did and the History of Swearing.
My question is, there are many segments that are things reported as you just doing as suggestions for a role, such as the jelly bean martini in Ghost Rider. Do you have any small bits you are particularly proud of that you’ve improvised or added in to a character?
Hi Mr. Cage!
A couple of years ago I marathoned 29 direct-to-video movies you made between 2010-2020. I wrote mini-reviews/thoughts for each one and detailed them in a Reddit post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/ffyvir/nicolas_cage_made_29_directtovideo_movies_in_the/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf).
I would never have expected it to cross your path, but here you are on Reddit doing an AMA, and I will regret it forever if I don’t take a shot getting a comment from you. I can’t wait to show my kids some of your more eclectic work as they get older, and experience truly one of the most unique actors out there. I can’t wait to see your new movie. It looks every bit as great as I imagined when I first heard of it.
Hi Nicolas Cage :)
What is, in your opinion, the most bat-shit ludicrous scene you’ve ever shot, and was it a fun experience or were you obliged to suffer for your fine craft?
Have you seen the episode of *Community* [in which there is a course about whether you are a good or bad actor](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt3176520/)? If so, what did you think about Danny Pudi’s impression of you?
[Relevant clip.](https://youtu.be/OuyH89V_HV8)
Hi Mr. Cage,
I just wanted to let you know that you are my wife's all-time favourite actor and she will tell anyone who will listen how much she loves you and your work.
I know there are thousands of comments on this thread, but if you could give a shout out to my wife, Melissa, it would make her week.
Thank you so much!
Hello Nicolas Cage! (i can't fucking believe i am writing this)
I am big fan of Matchstick Men. In my opinion this is THE best movie about conmen, con artists whatever you call them. It's a shame not many people know of this movie. The soundtrack by Hans ZImmer is also amazing.
I have three questions:
1. What was like working with Sam Rockwell in the beginning of his career?
2. Why Roy shouts "Pygmies" Did you come up with this word? Or it was in the script?
3. On the set of Red Rock West did you talk with Dennis Hopper and Lara Flynn Boyle about working with David Lynch?
There are a TON of products to purchase with your face on them. Pillow cases, pillows, shower curtains, shirts, masks, I could really go on for ever. Do you own any of these products personally? And when I purchase these items for my friend does any of the money get back to you?
You are an absolute legend!!!
What's the movie quote you hate most when strangers holler it at you in public?
I don’t have a problem with any of the quotes, I’m glad they remember the movie.
I could eat a peach for hours…
I'm gonna steal the declaration of independence!
You’ve had some of the best quotable cinematic moments. Cheers. I hope you’re having a lovely day.
I just wanna say thank you for everything you’ve done in the film industry. You are a one of a kind gem. Wishing you a long and peaceful life. Thanks again for being the guy you are.
We have to steal the president.
Evening sir! What movie can you watch over and over and still not get bored?
Apocalypse Now and Spirited Away
yes Spirited Away
Spirited Away, oml. Protect this man.
Man, I love Spirited Away. Gotta thank my 5th grade teacher for introducing it to my class. Never seen a movie like it before as a kid. Glad to see you love it too!
Nobody’s reppin for Apocalypse Now so I’ll just say WOW. Redux is my favorite, I love to sit down with that movie and just let it wash over me. The longest version makes me feel like I’m on some never-ending adventure, equal parts fantastic and nightmarish.
Nick Cage is ghibli fan! Awesome :)
Spirited Away is so gorgeous - do you watch in Japanese with subtitles, or dubbed??
What is your dream role that you have yet to complete?
I would like to play Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo because of the character’s love of the ocean I share that with him.
Ocean Man
I would watch the shit out of that movie.
I'm surprised 20,000 ~~Leages~~ Leagues hasn't had more adaptations over the years
From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free.
Oh how I’d love to hear “Wait a few minutes, our lantern will be lit, and, if you like light places, you will be satisfied.”
Dear Mr. Travolta, How has life changed for you since changing faces with Nicholas Cage? Do you regret the decision or would you do it again?
Hahahaha
/r/commentsyoucanhear
The real nic cage would’ve replied with hehehe’s... 👀
What nailed that performance for me was the Travolta mannerisms you oozed, as watchers of travolta, some since Sat Night Fever, we subconsciously recognize his manner/way and what amazed me about your performance in Face Off, was how you adopted them, tiny details that made up the whole and delighted me as a viewer, seeing the actor at work and the very layered performance - Nic Cage to Caster Troy to Sean Archer/Travolta, all at once. It’s a performance that has always struck out to me then add in John Woo - fucking fabulous 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
One of your most fascinating performances to me was as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass. When you were crafting that performance, was Adam West the biggest inspiration for your superhero persona, or were there other sources you felt you drew more heavily from? Thank you, and have a great day!
I would give it all to Adam West. I grew up watching him on the 60s Batman show and he is where it begins and where it ends as Big Daddy. I met Adam West once and I said “did you see I was channeling you?” and he said “I saw you TRY to channel me!”
I can’t believe you answered my question! Thank you so much, and have a great day!
Adam West throwing shade, amazing
What a fantastic answer!
If only 3 of your films could be preserved for posterity, which 3 would you choose?
Bringing Out the Dead Pig Leaving Las Vegas
Los Vegas
Loved pig!
Yes! I've been reading the comments and noticed a while ago no one was mentioning Leaving Las Vegas. That one got me to stop drinking back in the day. True eye-opener.
Man fuck that - the world needs face off - “I can eat a peach for hours”
As a paramedic, bringing out the dead was spot on!!! Great cast!! I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to pull a Goodman and just quit and walk away.
Ethan Hawke said that you're the first actor since Marlon Brando to do something new with the art of acting. Any thoughts on that?
It’s very kind of Ethan to say so, as you may well know, I’ve worked with Ethan in Lord of War and have always been spellbound by his talent. I think many of the choices I’ve made have been inspired by film stars from the silent era as well as cultural expression of performance like Kabuki and some of the Golden Age actors like Cagney so I don’t know how to say I’ve done something new because those elements are always on my mind
Humble king
I’ve never been able to quite put my finger on your style, but yeah, there’s some silent era to it for sure.
>Lord of War Love that movie, it's a perfect example of a lovable villain protagonist. The charisma you brought to that role utterly sold the entire film, which allowed the audience to simultaneously be disgusted by the callous actions of Yuri Orlov whilst also enjoying every moment he was on screen. That's not an easy thing to pull off, and you did it really well!
based response
Who is a director you would like to work with?
I would love to work with Christopher Nolan. I would love to work with Ari Aster, I would love to work with Robert Egger. Spike Lee too.
NIC CAGE IN AN ARI ASTER HORROR FILM LET’S GOOOOOOOO
A Nic Cage Ari Aster film. Yes please
Would you do another David Lynch project? Wild at Heart is an absolute favorite of mine
Heard they're struggling to cast for Oppenheimer. You should give them a call.
Nic Cage in Oppenheimer confirmed
Spike Lee would so be perfect for you. I mean, you’re a very versatile actor and any of those would fit, but the idea of you working with Spike Lee just scratches a particular itch that I didn’t know I had.
What's your favourite pasta shape?
I once went to an Italian restaurant in San Francisco about 25 years ago with Charlie Sheen because they had square tube pasta and he was very interested in trying square tube pasta and we did and we loved it so much we went back the next day to try it again.
Imagine a night on the town with Nic and Charlie.
This is such a great response. I'd love if he just started responding this exact thing to every question.
I don’t know why but knowing this happened made my day a little brighter. Also now I want to try square tube pasta
This might be one of the best things I've read all year.
Would you do a face off 2?
Yes.
The Faced and The Furious!
Face off 2: Face on
[удалено]
"Pig" was an absolutely incredible film, what drew you to that project, and why do you think that it struck a cord with so many people?
Thank you. I was interested in returning to a more quiet, naturalistic style of film performance, having done a series of more operatic performance styles. The movie feels rather like a folk song to me or a poem, and the character of Rob was contending with tremendous grief and self imposed isolation and I think we as a group of people experiencing a pandemic in 2020-21 we’re probably also having similar feelings of loss and isolation and it communicated to a nerve we were all experiencing. It's one of my favorite movies, and it's probably my best work.
Just wanted to let you know, I worked on Pig and handled all the digital distribution of that film. I truly love anytime I get your new work or old coming through my workflow and pig was such a phenomenal title to work on. Just letting you know us little guys are so happy when we get to somewhat work with you even if you don’t know us lol.
>it's probably my best work. You've had some bangers over the years, but definitely have to agree with that.
I’ll watch it tonight with my fiance and come back with my thoughts, thank you for being you Mr. Cage.
You nailed it man. I went into it thinking it was going to be goofy. Boy was I wrong, such a good movie. Been a fan since I was a kid watching you on Betamax. That Apache Helicopter movie..... Fire Birds. Finally remembered the name haha.
Thank you to everyone who tuned into our chat this afternoon. It was a real pleasure for me to have some communication with all of you. As I’m sure you might know, I’m not normally on social media so it’s nice to meet you and to talk about all sorts of fun things, and especially the movies. From Lionsgate: Massive Talent is in theaters everywhere April 22.
That was fucking epic. What a legend
Honestly, this has been one of the best AMA’s I have been a part of. Thanks for your thoughtful responses.
I like that edit. It was a good AMA, the only thing that didn't feel coming from Nicholas was that marketing part about the film's release date. And then the comment was edited and "From Lionsgate" was added.
Mr. Cage, you have been one of my favorite actors for my entire life. I cannot WAIT to see Unbearable weight of Massive Talent, multiple times in theaters when it comes out. I have two questions, both similar. 1. What has been your most challenging role to get in to character each day to film? 2. What is your favorite character that you've ever portrayed?
1. I would say that Nick Cage in Massive Talent was the most challenging role I had to get into character for because I had the added component of trying to protect a person named Nick Cage and also facilitating the director’s absurdist vision of so-called Nick Cage and it was a highwire act everyday. 2. Again, Pig is my favorite performance of mine, and I think that movie, along with Scorsese’s Bringing Out The Dead are arguably my two best movies as a whole
The most challenging role for Nick Cage is being Nick Cage.
Bringing Out the Dead really changed my perception so much about how stories are told. I don’t know how to describe it but I recommend that film constantly to people that want some sort of top 5 list of really great films with strong performances.
Would you ever return to playing Ghost Rider if Marvel asked you to?
I would really need to see what they had in mind before answering that.
That's Hollywood for yes
You heard it confirmed here first folks - Cage is on board for returning as Ghost Rider 😎
FEIGE PLEASE GET THIS MAN BACK
Who is your favorite character in all of literature and film?
That is so hard to answer. I will say that James Dean’s performance as Cal in East of Eden is largely the reason I became a film actor. His role in that is one of my favorite characters in cinema. But then we can go all the way to Rasputin or we can go to Dmitri Karamazov. Dmitri Karamazov is one my favorite characters in literature. I love him so much because he’s so happy and he has no money. He’s just living it up. He spent all his money trying to get the girl. I did the same thing once. I was very Dmitri Karamazov in high school. The most beautiful girl in high school who was a grade older than me invited me to the prom but I had no money. My grandmother gave each of us a little bond. My older brother bought a car. My second oldest brother bought some stereo equipment. And I splashed out on a chauffeur-driven limousine, a tuxedo and a four course meal at Le Dome on Sunset blvd. The car was $2000, the stereo was $2000, and my prom night was $2000 and man, that was money well spent. THAT’s Dmitri Karamazov.
i love you
Such an awesome glimpse of you as a youth! It’s so cool of you to do this AMA, and it’s caused me to gain a better appreciation of you as a person and as an actor. Also, gonna check out Pig tonight!
Nic Cage’s life really is a movie.
I did not expect to wake up this morning and read nic cage waxing lyrical about brothers karamazov but here we are. God I love nic cage.
Hello good man, What are your favourite non-work-related hobbies?
It’s a good question, albeit a difficult question because everything I do ultimately informs my work. But if I had to make a list, I would say reading, watching cinema, and exercise.
How much weight can you bench press?
Hi Nic, huge fan here. How do you feel about your weird but extremely dedicated fandom, like us on r/onetruegod?
I think any kind of enthusiasm is always welcome and not to be taken for granted.
god
Your reply is the best thing that has happened to me on reddit. Thank you.
You admitting to liking bees in this AMA is really gonna throw them for a loop though. They had it all wrong the entire time.
Is there a performance of yours you feel gets misunderstood by fans who turn it into a meme or gag?
Well, let’s talk about the difference between “meme” and the word “gag.” My understanding is that “meme” represents a symbol of a pop cultural movement of sorts. A “gag” is somewhere in the realm of a diss and I don’t look at anything anymore as a diss. I see it more as a recognition of some sort of expression.
When I woke up this morning, I did not expect to add Nicolas Cage to my list of favorite actors but, after reading all these comment replies, I absolutely have to Everything you're saying sounds genuine and sincere but are also humble and perfectly reasonable opinions. I love that your whole outlook is like "if anyone talks about my performance in a film at all , I've done my job well"
Well put
One of the most used meme images of you is from Vampire's Kiss, and I thought that movie was absolutely incredible and your performance in it is one of my favorite roles ever.
Damn man, laying down the truth.
Do you like bees?
Yes. I would have to say they’re my favorite insect. They make us honey. Bees, and then the firefly. And ants are interesting. Bumble bees are quite adorable. Don't get me started on the praying mantis. I told David Cronenberg once that the praying mantis was the most ferocious of the insects and he so said no, and I said what is, and he said the dragon fly larvae and he said that the beast in the Alien movies was designed after the dragon fly larvae because it shoots its teeth out and when it attacks.
I think we might need to put "Don't get me started on the praying mantis" on the banner of the subreddit.
Ok, this is the best AMA
Buddy, you need your very own Reddit account and start posting such anecdotes randomly. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Val Kilmer.
Thoughts on Abed's lecture on you in community?
I’ve never seen one episode of that show. I’m unfamiliar.
https://youtu.be/F1XCUo_Uu8M
It's a phenomenal show. One of the main characters (Abed) has Asperger's, and uses television and film tropes as a way of relating to people. In one episode, he is tasked with categorizing you as an actor. Your "complexity" ends up breaking him.
Please watch the youtube video above
I’m devastated to hear this - I have always wondered if you’d seen this episode and what you thought of it. It’s very affectionate, you should check it out.
I have a 2 regarding the movie Willy's Wonderland. Did you or the director decide that you would not say a single word the whole movie, and 2, everytime you went to "recharge" (grab a can from 6 pack) was it secretly filled with alcohol or anything like that?
1. The dialogue for my character in Willy’s Wonderland was very sparse, so I decided with Kevin, the director, to go full Harpo Marx and take all the dialogue out because I thought that would be a fun acting challenge to see how much I could communicate without words and only with movement and facial expressions. I’m very happy with the results of Willy’s Wonderland. It was a good experiment. 2. The can question is an interesting one, and I hesitate to answer it for you because your relationship with the movie is far more important than my relationship with the movie and so you as the audience member can imagine and surmise whatever you want to be in that can. That is a far better answer and reason for the can than anything I could tell you. I want YOUR opinion as to what was in the can, because that was the right opinion.
Wow. Answer to number 2 is one of the best answers I have ever seen in an AMA.
Oof I am literally working on a writing project right now and promised myself I wouldn't say anything even though you are 100% \*my\* pop culture figure and your work has literally changed my perception of art. But to your point of #2, as a teacher who specifically has a specialty in working with autistic kiddos, I count your performance in Willy's Wonderland as one of my favorites in terms of autistic representation, whether or not it was intentional. The hourly-can-of-pop, the pinball, the routine of it all...plus non-verbal...plus a physical stamina and quiet acceptance of the task in front of him...these qualities are some of the most powerful qualities of autistic brains. I do a lot of work towards getting autistic brains accepted as the badass and important parts of society that they are, rather than a drain upon society, and if I could, I would use Willy's Wonderland as an example of how autistic folks can be intense action/horror movie stars! But I cannot, because the intersection of the venn diagram between "intense Nicolas Cage fans" "intense horror fans" and "intense autism advocates" is a pretty small sliver!
I think the fact you communicated so much without saying one word made it one of your most successful roles, aside from pig. You were amazing in that.
Lord of War is one of my favorite examples of “there’s a lot more to this” in cinema. Do you feel like this movie impacted your career significantly?
I think Lord of War is the best movie I made pertaining to a political situation and I think that it’s influenced other movies like Wolf of Wallstreet. I think the narrative and voiceover work and the portrayal of a reprehensible gun runner in the light of an attractive charming personality was ahead of its time.
We now need a movie with Nicolas Cage as a gin runner / moonshiner.
I definitely noticed how movies like Wolf of Wall Street, War Dogs, The Big Short, and others where inspired by Lord of War. Lord of War is one of my all time favorite movies, and it’s wonderful to see it influence so many other movies.
>I think Lord of War is the best movie I made pertaining to a political situation Excuse me sir, but you stole the Declaration of Independence.
You and Pedro seemed like you had so much fun making this movie; what is one story you don’t mind sharing that you haven’t yet about your experience with filming and working with Pedro?
First and foremost, Pedro Pascal is a genuinely nice man. You couldn’t ask for a nicer more pleasant person to work with. Second he has a very unique sense of humor. It’s the kind of sense of humor where I don’t know if he’s really making a joke or he isn’t making a joke. Such as comment about the appearance of a cabbage in a cabbage field. And it made me wonder if he was a method actor and was in character and adding a kind of confused dimension to the Javi role, or if he genuinely thought the cabbage was amusing. I am still confounded by this. I mean who makes a joke about cabbage, except him? It’s just not funny!
Pedro Pascal and Nicolas Cage buddy cop movie when?
I love that you are answering every question.
Imagining this situation in reality is hilarious Edit: I now want to see a skit where Pedro Pascal just starts chuckling about cabbages and Nick Cage is so confused that he starts to lose his mind while Pascal just nonchalantly walks off, jovial without a care in the world leaving a shattered Nick Cage
Pedro was coming off an Airbender marathon, bet.
Hi, did you keep the snakeskin jacket (a symbol of individuality and belief in personal freedom) from Wild at Heart?
No, I gave it to Laura Dern. She was such an enormous part of Wild at Heart that I felt it belonged to her. But now I wish I had given it to my son instead. I would've liked him to have it. But it's okay, Laura has it.
That is lovely. I'm certain she treasures it.
Fun fact for those who don't know: the snakeskin jacket is an homage to the jacket Marlon Brando wears in the movie The Fugitive Kind, an adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play Orpheus Descending. Coincidentally, Dern's parents Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd (who plays Dern's mother in Wild at Heart) met while starring together in a production of Orpheus Descending.
You looked fucking cool in that film mate
What genre of movies do you like best?
Independently spirited dramas. And by independently spirited I mean the types of stories and characters that studios are too chicken to touch.
Can you recommend a few? (update, thanks for all the replies folks. I didn't mean movies starring Nick Cage, but I appreciate your suggestions all the same.)
I can see why you mentioned Studio Ghibli earlier. You have excellent taste Mr. Cage.
Dude is answering that on the account r/lionsgate what a legend!
Will there be another National Treasure?
No, the priority was to turn it into a TV show so I would say probably not.
I loved National Treasure. It should be left as it is.
This comment has broken the heart of many that held to a slim hope.
BOOO, NOOO. We need a third movie. You're going to have to make it happen.
Have you kept in contact with David Lynch?
I did call David when we were filming Massive Talent because I had hoped he might play the role of the director I was auditioning for, but it was at the height of the concerns with COVID and he didn’t want to leave the house. The result of David Gordon Green however was pitch perfect, and I do hope David Gordon Green does more work as a thespian.
Wow would have loved to see that, but hoping you both can work together again in the future. My favorite actor and director.
Listen, Nic. You’re great. But if you ever get in the way of David Lynch doing the morning weather because he’s “busy” on a “film” we’re gonna have problems.
Face/Off is one of my favorite action movies. How did you go through the process of learning to portray a different actor? Thanks for all you do!
Thank you. Face/Off is my favorite action movie, largely because we had the maestro John Woo to direct. The process was a matter of getting video of Travolta’s dailies and trying to study it so I could copy his voice and movements. John Travolta conversely did the same with my dailies.
One of my fave movies! You’re both awesome in it!
https://nicolascageface.com/ was also instrumental.
What kind of car do you drive? If you have more than one, what's your favorite and why is it a 1967 Ford GT500? :)
I have a 2016 Shelby GT350R with a wide body that is like a modern version of the car I drove in Gone in 60 Seconds. It has a beautiful blue color. I like that car. And so does my son.
Thank you for taking the time to answer, Mr Cage! It always seems like a silly question but it’s one I like hearing the answers to...so far, though, you, Adam Savage, and sara bareilles are the only ones who have answered it!
I am really sorry my family and I went up to you in that Ice Cream Shop in Disneyland, and asked for a picture. Everyone started swarming after that while you were just trying to enjoy some family time.
Have you seen Leaving Las Vegas recently? I think that is my all time favorite Nicolas Cage performance. How do you feel thinking back on Leaving Las Vegas and your performance in it?
Thank you. I think Leaving Las Vegas, Pig and Bringing Out The Dead are my three favorite performances of my own body of work. I have not seen Leaving Las Vegas recently, however that movie and Elizabeth Shue’s work in that movie are what I aspire to continue towards, and did continue towards with Pig, which is why I am always going to be up for small budget, independent, dramas.
why is it so funny he keeps spelling it as Los Vegas
Hey Nick, what would be your opening chess move?
I take the knight and move him forward first.
Then move him back again, then forward again, ad infinitum. 😂
Did you enjoy filming in Dubrovnik? What a nice town.
Dubrovnik is just a gorgeous place. Sadly, we were in the height of the COVID pandemic during filming. So no, I never left my hotel room. Only when I was shooting. I did not get to enjoy the charm and the restaurants of Dubrovnik. I will have to go back.
Visit the rest of Croatia when you come back! You’re a legend and childhood hero of my generation! Much love from Croatia!
Hi, Nic! Really looking forward to *Massive Talent*, it looks like you and Pedro had a blast making it. I just have three questions: 1) What is your favorite part of preparing for a new role? 2) What’s your all-time favorite horror movie? 3) I know you have a love of the silent era, especially the German expressionist stuff. What’s your favorite silent film?
3. Boy that’s a hard list to conjure up because there are so many memorable ones but I would say that Lon Chaney in Phantom of the Opera comes to mind but Nosferatu, Schreck, his performance, and even Barrymore in Jekyll and Hyde. I think that Barrymore did more to inspire Schreck’s performance than the other way around. Oh, and anything Chaplin did was magic: City Lights, Modern Times. It depends on the season!
[Max Schreck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Schreck), not to be confused with everyone's favourite ogre. EDIT: Schreck was incorrectly spelled as Shrek when Cage first posted the comment, he and his team have since fixed the typo.
Favorite period in history?
I would like to think that being in the 50s in the United States would’ve been a whole lot of fun with the swing dancing and the introduction of Elvis Presley and the great work of James Dean and Marlon Brando. I would’ve liked to be around for that. And the music was pretty great. Automotive design was spectacular. That’s when the US had the edge on the design, we had Raymond Loewy and Harley Earl.
Being a black American, that era just wouldn’t work out /)
Holy shit Nic Cage is a design nerd my life is complete.
The moderators received a lovely message from Lionsgate and Nic's team after the AMA concluded! Sharing it here with all of you who made this AMA so great :) https://i.imgur.com/foER3eW.png *Transcription* >Hello, Just wrapped with Nicolas. Wanted to say a giant THANK YOU to Reddit and the Movie Mods for helping us host this AMA. He had such a great time. Said it was the best part of his day. If he had more time on his schedule, I’m convinced he would’ve kept going! Until next time
What's on page 47?
What’s your rarest Elvis memorabilia? Thanks for the great movie roles over the years! ✌🏻
I don’t have any Elvis memorabilia.
LIES
Nic, Throughout the pandemic my friends and I watched every single one of your movies. You got us through the pandemic. One a week. We even made [membership cards](https://imgur.com/a/Wb5rHbv). So, thank you. We even watched an after school special you did and the History of Swearing. My question is, there are many segments that are things reported as you just doing as suggestions for a role, such as the jelly bean martini in Ghost Rider. Do you have any small bits you are particularly proud of that you’ve improvised or added in to a character?
# NICE TRY, JOHN TRAVOLTA
National Treasure 3. When?
Hi Mr. Cage! A couple of years ago I marathoned 29 direct-to-video movies you made between 2010-2020. I wrote mini-reviews/thoughts for each one and detailed them in a Reddit post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/ffyvir/nicolas_cage_made_29_directtovideo_movies_in_the/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf). I would never have expected it to cross your path, but here you are on Reddit doing an AMA, and I will regret it forever if I don’t take a shot getting a comment from you. I can’t wait to show my kids some of your more eclectic work as they get older, and experience truly one of the most unique actors out there. I can’t wait to see your new movie. It looks every bit as great as I imagined when I first heard of it.
Do you still own Eleanor and drive her reguarly?
Thank you for: The Rock Face-off Con Air
Hi Nicolas Cage :) What is, in your opinion, the most bat-shit ludicrous scene you’ve ever shot, and was it a fun experience or were you obliged to suffer for your fine craft?
What film that’s not your own are you most looking forward to this year?
I don’t really wanna ask anything, I just want to thank you for the years of entertainment you’ve brought me. Hope all is well!
Have you seen the episode of *Community* [in which there is a course about whether you are a good or bad actor](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt3176520/)? If so, what did you think about Danny Pudi’s impression of you? [Relevant clip.](https://youtu.be/OuyH89V_HV8)
Do you have any stories from the set of "Raising Arizona"? It's my all-time favorite movie.
What’s the role “that got away” that keeps you up at night? What movie or opportunity did you miss out on that you regret?
Just wanted to say you’re a National Treasure!
Your Holiness, are you aware of the subreddit called r/onetruegod which is dedicated to everything awesome about you?
What are your thoughts on doing an International Treasure?
Do you have any regrets about posting a picture of yourself holding up white piece of paper on the internet.
In your opinion what's the craziest thing you've ever bought?
Hi Mr. Cage, I just wanted to let you know that you are my wife's all-time favourite actor and she will tell anyone who will listen how much she loves you and your work. I know there are thousands of comments on this thread, but if you could give a shout out to my wife, Melissa, it would make her week. Thank you so much!
Hello Nicolas Cage! (i can't fucking believe i am writing this) I am big fan of Matchstick Men. In my opinion this is THE best movie about conmen, con artists whatever you call them. It's a shame not many people know of this movie. The soundtrack by Hans ZImmer is also amazing. I have three questions: 1. What was like working with Sam Rockwell in the beginning of his career? 2. Why Roy shouts "Pygmies" Did you come up with this word? Or it was in the script? 3. On the set of Red Rock West did you talk with Dennis Hopper and Lara Flynn Boyle about working with David Lynch?
what has been the most impactful lesson of your career?
You vs. Tom Hanks in a naked cage match to the death. Who comes out alive?
There are a TON of products to purchase with your face on them. Pillow cases, pillows, shower curtains, shirts, masks, I could really go on for ever. Do you own any of these products personally? And when I purchase these items for my friend does any of the money get back to you? You are an absolute legend!!!